Positive, encouraging progress. ASD.

[1805]

Thought I'd post a positive /encouraging post about our ASD dd for people struggling with the beginnings of dx for ASD.

We started off with horrific violent outbursts with dd. we just couldn't cope and sought help. dx for ASD followed and we started to understand more about dd.

4 years later - dd is now 12 and we all get along much better. Dd is learning to recognise triggers and feelings of when she needs help. Often we can help her and things do not escalate out of control too often.
Yes, we have had to change our expectations of dd's behaviour, and ds finds it tough too. But things are much better.

I just want to give hope to anyone struggling with their doc, that it can and probably will get better. It's hard, but totally worth it.
Good luck everyone!

[readyornot2011]

Thanks for posting something positive. It can seem rare on this page.... we're all guilty of coming here when times are hard and posting the negatives. When positive things happen we share it with loved ones rather than here. Is there anything in particular that you feel helped...?

For my part; today my 2yo ASD son who has always hated carosels/swings/bikes etc went on a dodgem with his big sister and totally loved it!!! I was so happy watching them together I paid for another 4 turns!!!

[LightTripper]

Thank you for your positive stories! As a parent waiting for a dx but with a very hopeful positive heart for my DD it's great to hear about the highs as well as preparing for the challenges ahead.

[1805]

thanks readyornot.

What helped?…well, the best book I read for our situation was The Explosive Child. Obviously every child is different as are all parents and families, but that book helped us.

Learning to empathise with dd rather than become stressed or impatient helped a lot too. A big dollop of patience helped, and learning how to pick my battles and not worry about the other stuff.

I think realising that society expects certain behaviour and responses from people, and that it's ok to be different is a good thing.
My dd is a lovely, bright, outgoing, and very creative little person. Ok, she doesn't like school and is very fixed in her mindset, but thats all fine really.
Having said all this, dd had a meltdown tonight (I tempted fate didn't I)!!

[Cartooner]

Gosh this is so good to read from a place of pure panic on this diagnosis. Thank you.

[Apparentlychilled]

Oh god, thank you for this positive post. My dd is 8 and we're just starting this journey and I'm finding her such hard work at the moment. Life is very busy right now and it seems that she can't cope when I'm busy with other things. After a weekend of lots of meltdowns (at home, but good as gold with friends), I'm exhausted and trying to face a really full week with work.

[1805]

Yes yes yes - my dd is good (usually) when out of the house. But then it all comes out at 100miles per hour when we are at home.

Apparently - another thing I've just thought of after reading your post is that I changed my working hours so I don't leave the house until 9.15 am . This enables me to concentrate on getting dd ready and off to school without stressing about whether I'd be late for work. DD gets the public bus to school, so this time means she has the option of 2 extra busses to get her on if she misses the first one before I have to leave.
Not everyone can change their working pattern though, so I'm lucky here. ( It helped though being signed off work with stress before dd's diagnosis!)

It is exhausting, and we were really struggling a few years ago. But we re-juggled our lives to fit in around dd. We found this to be a better option than dd having violent meltdowns which are dangerous and exhausting for everyone.

It will get better - keep on learning about what suits your dc.
to everyone!!